Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that tastes just as delicious as your favorite Chinese takeout. Whether for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a cozy night in, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. The crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce makes it an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Orange Chicken
• Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 2: Add Eggs and Cornstarch
• Step 3: Heat the Oil
• Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 5: Fry the Chicken – First Fry
• Step 6: Fry the Chicken – Second Fry
• Step 7: Make the Orange Sauce
• Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken
• Step 9: Coat Fried Chicken with Sauce
• Step 10: Serve Your Orange Chicken
• How to Serve Orange Chicken
• With Steamed White Rice
• Over Fried Rice
• As Part of a Chinese Feast
• Garnished with Green Onions
• In Lettuce Wraps
• With a Side of Stir-Fried Vegetables
• How to Perfect Orange Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Orange Chicken
• Reheating Orange Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Orange Chicken?
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
• How spicy is this Orange Chicken recipe?
• What should I serve with Orange Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest creates a vibrant sauce that elevates the dish.
• Crispy Texture: Double frying the chicken ensures every piece is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over white rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own Orange Chicken from scratch, tailored to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful journey, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or tall pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon or spider

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or tall pan: Ideal for frying due to its depth, allowing for even cooking without splattering.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing sauces effectively.
• Whisk: Helps in achieving a smooth sauce without lumps by thoroughly blending ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (fine salt is okay too)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
• 1 cup orange juice (about 2 to 3 oranges juiced)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (use less if you prefer it less orange-y)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (use more if your oranges are not as sweet)
• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ tablespoon garlic (minced (about 1 clove))
• ½ teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes (or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper)
• 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced (white and green separated))
• Whole dry chili pepper (optional)
• Oil (as needed for cooking)

How to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs with water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until most of the water is absorbed by the chicken.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Cornstarch

Once the chicken has absorbed the water, add the eggs. Mix well until combined. Then add cornstarch and ensure it’s evenly mixed without any dry spots. Finally, add oil and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a wok or tall pan, pour about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat it until it reaches approximately 375°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While waiting for the oil to heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl or measuring cup. Mix well and set aside; you may prepare this ahead of time.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken – First Fry

When the oil is hot enough at around 375°F, gently place marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil one at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry in batches if necessary for about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from oil and let drain for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken – Second Fry

Ensure oil is back at temperature before adding fried chicken pieces again for a second fry. Cook them for another 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels or a rack.

Step 7: Make the Orange Sauce

In a wok over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, stir-fry white parts of green onion along with minced garlic and chili peppers for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Give your prepared sauce another mix before pouring it into the wok. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until bubbly, thickened, and glossy while stirring often to prevent uneven thickening.

Step 9: Coat Fried Chicken with Sauce

When ready, add fried chicken pieces into the wok. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with sauce.

Step 10: Serve Your Orange Chicken

Serve immediately alongside white rice or fried rice. Garnish with green parts of green onion for an added touch! Enjoy this delightful homemade Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic presentation or something unique, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Steamed White Rice

• Steamed white rice perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange chicken, allowing the flavors to shine through.

Over Fried Rice

• Serving orange chicken over fried rice adds a flavorful twist, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

As Part of a Chinese Feast

• Include orange chicken in a larger spread with other Chinese dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, and fried noodles for an impressive feast.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Top your orange chicken with freshly sliced green onions to add color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve orange chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, making it easy to enjoy as finger food or appetizers.

With a Side of Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing orange chicken with stir-fried vegetables not only adds nutrition but also offers vibrant colors and textures to your plate.

How to Perfect Orange Chicken

Achieving the perfect orange chicken requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oranges yield better juice and zest than bottled options, enhancing the flavor of your sauce.
• Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 375°F ensures crispy chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Double Fry: For extra crunchiness, double frying the chicken creates that coveted crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken. You can adjust sugar levels based on your preference and the sweetness of your oranges.
• Serve Immediately: Orange chicken is best enjoyed fresh; serving it right after cooking keeps it crispy and delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken

When planning a meal around orange chicken, consider these complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors and provide variety.

1. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice is packed with veggies and protein, making it filling and delicious alongside orange chicken.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables are great for adding crunch and freshness to your meal.
3. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables create a satisfying side that pairs well with the sweet and spicy flavors of orange chicken.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the richness of the dish while adding vibrant color.
5. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup like egg drop offers warmth without overshadowing the main dish’s flavors.
6. Sesame Green Beans: Tossed in sesame oil, these green beans add nuttiness and crunch that complement orange chicken nicely.
7. Fried Tofu: For a vegetarian option, crispy fried tofu serves as a delightful addition that absorbs sauces well.
8. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances out the sweetness of orange chicken with its cool crunchiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade orange chicken can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your dish’s success.

• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy pieces. Fry in small batches to maintain crispiness.
• Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to less flavorful meat. Always marinate for the recommended time to enhance taste.
• Using low-quality oil: Cheap oils can affect flavor and smoke point. Opt for high-quality neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil for frying.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the chicken well. Ensure you let it bubble and thicken before adding the fried chicken.
• Not heating oil properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your chicken will absorb more oil. Use a thermometer to check that it reaches 375°F before frying.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Chicken

• Freeze orange chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until warmed.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and reheat the orange chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful that they may cook faster than thighs.

How spicy is this Orange Chicken recipe?

This recipe is mildly spicy due to chili flakes; you can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance or omit them altogether.

What should I serve with Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken pairs well with white rice or fried rice, and you can add steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This homemade orange chicken recipe offers an incredible blend of flavors and textures that rivals any takeout option. With its crispy coating and vibrant sauce, it’s perfect for dinner or lunch. Feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding vegetables into the mix—your taste buds will thank you!